Download Click To

Sensor Assemblies using Redundant Two-Dimensional
Detector Arrays
Patent No. 7,786,438
Background: In the field of infrared (IR) sensing, the typical detectors used
are Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs). The FPA is the major design driver in the
infrared sensor. The number of pixels (individual sensing elements) in the FPA
ultimately dictates the spatial resolution of the sensor; therefore, a sensor
designer will generally seek to maximize the pixel count when selecting the
FPA. Unfortunately, as pixel count increases, the likelihood of FPA
manufacturing defects also increases.
For information about this
technology, please contact:
Jeff Abbott
520-743-6878
[email protected]
Technology Description: AFRL has developed a sensor assembly that
replaces a single focal plane array detector with two focal plane array
detectors orientated with respect to each other such that a power splitter
divides an incoming light source equally between each detector.
Market Applications:
- Coherent optical imaging
- Free space optical communications (FSO)
- Applications where an incoherent, narrow bandwidth, optical
source is needed
Key Advantages:
- Five concepts, each optimized for a specific application
o Concept 1: effective operability of 100%
o Concept 2: switchable wavelength filter, 100% operability
o Concept 3: reduction of background clutter on one of the
detectors
o Concept 4: increase in sensor dynamic range, 100%
operability
o Concept 5: higher pixel density, increase in spatial resolution
of sensor, 100% operability
Key Words: Coherent optical imaging, Power Splitter, Focal Plane Arrays